Should you buy a faster processor just because it's available? The debate has raged since the first speed enhancement of a Z80and it will never end. Yes, it's always cheaper to have something a little slower. But cheaper and slower is just that: cheaper and slower.

The speed-versus-cost argument overlooks next-generation software, which always comes around when it's least expected. The cheap/slow people always assume that the new software won't arrive. But usually the fastest machine you can buy from the last generation of hardware barely keeps up with the new software.

Those who bought into the cheaper and slower notions have to upgrade immediately, while those who bought a fast state-of-the-art machine can usually keep from such an upgrade for a year or more. This is where the savings lie. A fast machine will simply outlast the slow machine and, in fact, is a better deal in the long term.

There has always been a bias against buying fast computers. It's promulgated by people who don't think we should be using these things in the first place and who hate the idea of constant upgrades. After all, in a practical sense, we could all be using old CP/M clunkers running WordStar and still get a lot of work done. If that's the way you think by all means get an old CP/M machine and knock yourself out. But most people are using computers as tools to enhance their productivity.

I figure it costs about $100 a month to budget yourself the fastest computer you can own. This amounts to $2,400 every two years, which is all you should be paying for the fastest CPU you can get.

To those who argue that there is no software on the market that can actually utilize the higher processing power, I say this: Software has never been as demanding as the fastest machine. It wouldn't sell any copies! Of course the software doesn't exist; there is no immediate market for it. Software that can utilize the extra power arrives only after a certain percentage of fast machines are on the market. When it does arrive, what do you do with your tightwad computer that won't run it? You dump it.

This hassle alone makes it clear that buying the absolute fastest machine will let you go longer without an upgrade. Isn't that reason enough to buy the fastest CPU you can get? Don't listen to the other arguments. You'll regret it.

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About the Author

John Dvorak is a columnist for PCMag.com and the host of the weekly TV video podcast CrankyGeeks. His work is licensed around the world. Previously a columnist for Forbes, Forbes Digital, PC World, Barrons, MacUser, PC/Computing, Smart Business and other magazines and newspapers. Former editor and consulting editor for Infoworld. Has appeared in th... See Full Bio

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